Pulsed Helicon Onboard Exo-Atmospheric Beam Emitter (PHOEBE) w/ magnetic nozzle for beam focusing, collimating, and steering

Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs) fired at the United States can be destroyed during their midcourse coast phase by an exo-atmospheric neutral beam of high velocity particles. Lynntech will determine the feasibility of modifying a TRL 5 magnetoplasma engine into a neutral beam emitter. Modification of the magnetic coil geometry and strength will be investigated to focus, collimate, and steer the beam. Fast recombination rates ensure that the beam is neutral. This modification will result in a new subsystem called PHOEBE that can be paired with a power source and targeting/detection system to engage targets. The subsystem can operate as a payload on a fast-response rocket (pop-up mode) or in a satellite (space based mode). Computational analysis will be used to provide a “proof of concept”, and subscale prototypes will be designed for validation purposes in Phase II. The use of existing technology significantly reduces development time while the addition of state-of-the-art magnetic nozzle equipment provides new capabilities. Approved for Public Release | 18-MDA-9817 (23 Oct 18)